Ishmael is a 1992 philosophical novel by Daniel Quinn. The novel examines the hidden cultural biases driving modern civilization and explores themes of ethics, sustainability, and global catastrophe.

Ishmael, a gorilla who possesses wisdom of the world and can relate his thoughts to humans, becomes the teacher in this imaginative novel. He prompts his student, the unnamed narrator, to discover the laws that guide life.

Quinn's use of biblical allusions for Ishmael's names structure the relationship he has with humans. While imprisoned, he's a goliath, an unknown monster. Once he's able to communicate with humans and share their knowledge, he is like a distant relative, as the offspring of Ishmael are to the offspring of Isaac in the Bible.

Ishmael, an enormous, educated, telepathic gorilla, agrees to mentor the unnamed narrator in saving the world. He begins with the familiar and clearly perverse story of the Nazis, sweeping all Germans, regardless of politics or economic situation, along in their propaganda and education program.